NYC Turns Up Star Wattage for WWE’s ‘WrestleMania 29′

For the past 29 years, “WrestleMania” has been WWE’s biggest PPV. But it’s been tough to get notable celebs to turn out for the event when it’s hosted in cities like Houston, Orlando or Phoenix.

WWE isn’t having that kind of problem this year, with the event splitting its presence in both New York City and New Jersey.

Sean “Diddy” Combs, Arnold Schwarzenegger, “Extra” co-host Maria Menounos and Donald Trump are some of the bold-faced names taking part so far in “‘Mania”-themed activities next week.

Company announced Thursday that Combs will perform live at “WrestleMania 29” to a crowd of nearly 90,000 inside New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on April 7. Diddy-Dirty Money’s “Coming Home” is an official theme song of “WrestleMania 29” and will be integrated throughout the show.

As part of the pair up, Combs will co-host the “Superstars for Sandy Relief” party with WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon, and NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg, on April 4, meant to unite the sports and entertainment worlds and benefit the mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City and Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund.

Combs will also serve as an ambassador for WWE’s Be a STAR anti-bullying initiative.

“I’ve always been a fan of WWE and I’m excited to support these two important causes,” said Combs, who has backed WWE in the past; he introduced Bad Boy recording artist Machine Gun Kelly at “WrestleMania 28,” in Miami, and performed during 2010’s “Tribute to the Troops,” which aired on NBC. He’s also incorporate wrestlers into his songs.

Separately, Schwarzenegger will induct Bruno Sammartino into the WWE Hall of Fame at Madison Square Garden on April 6, where the two will reflect on their 40-year friendship.

Schwarzenegger was also present as Sammartino was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame in Columbus, Ohio, in March.

Menounos also is set to induct Bob Backlund into the Hall of Fame. They have been friends since appearing in the comedy “In the Land of Merry Misfits” together. Menounos is also a longtime WWE fan, having wrestled in the ring numerous times since 2009, including last year’s “WrestleMania.” She also co-hosted “Monday Night Raw,” with Nancy O’Dell, and has appeared on “Tribute to the Troops.”

“He’s my hero and my friend,” Menounos said of Backlund. “Watching him carry the title for a since unmatched five years and then stage such an incredible comeback with a reinvented persona puts him in a class all his own.”

WWE will also induct Trump into the Hall of Fame, joining Drew Carey, Pete Rose, Bob Uecker, Mike Tyson and William “Refrigerator” Perry as previous celebs getting the honor. Trump has had a long history with WWE that dates back to the fourth “WrestleMania” in 1988.

In addition to the location, it likely didn’t hurt that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is also returning to the ring for this year’s “‘Mania.”

His bout in Miami last year, helped boost PPV buys of the event to record levels for WWE. It generated more than $67 million through 1.3 million purchases and was watched in more than 105 countries. Johnson’s profile is especially high this year, with “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” out in theaters this weekend, followed by Michael Bay’s “Pain and Gain,” which Paramount will promote during “‘Mania.”

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